What you need to know
- Statins are a popular type of prescription medication that help to reduce levels of LDL, also known as “bad” cholesterol. This medication works by inhibiting HMG CoA reductase, an enzyme released by the liver that produces cholesterol.
- Reducing cholesterol is essential for helping to reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke and heart attack.
- This is a long-term medication that can also be used alongside healthy lifestyle changes to help improve overall health and reduce the risk of chronic disease.
What is high cholesterol?
There are two types of cholesterol in your blood; low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is considered harmful as it clogs arteries, while high-density lipoprotein (HDL) is considered beneficial, as it helps to remove fats from the blood.
High cholesterol is typically caused by diet, lack of exercise, smoking and genetics. A person with high cholesterol has high amounts of fatty substances in their blood. These fatty substances may stick to the arteries, causing narrowing and making the circulatory system work harder to pump blood.
High cholesterol is typically caused by diet, lack of exercise, smoking and genetics.
Risks of high cholesterol
Left untreated, high cholesterol can lead to potentially fatal complications. Cholesterol can become trapped in the arteries, leading them to become narrow and constricted.
This puts additional pressure on the cardiovascular system, as the body has to work harder to pump blood. Over time, the blood vessels will harden and this increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.
High cholesterol is often considered to be a silent killer, as it does not present with any symptoms. It is often caught during a routine blood test. This is why adults over the age of 20 should have a blood test every 5 years to catch this condition early.
High cholesterol is often considered to be a silent killer, as it does not present with any symptoms.
Statins for treating high cholesterol
One method for treating high cholesterol is a prescription medication called statins. This medication works by inhibiting HMG CoA reductase. This is an enzyme in the liver that produces cholesterol. By reducing cholesterol levels released by the liver, this increases LDL receptors on liver cells, which then helps to remove more LDL from the blood.
Statins are taken once daily, usually at night time as this is when most cholesterol is synthesised by the liver. They are not recommended for patients with liver disease, and liver function should be carefully monitored to help avoid potential side effects including inflammation of the liver.
Lifestyle changes for high cholesterol
Since high cholesterol levels are linked to lifestyle factors, it’s also essential to pair medication with healthy changes. Certain foods should be avoided, including saturated and trans fats. These often appear in fried food, processed food and fatty meats.
Instead, focus on fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fibre, lean protein and oily fish to help reduce LDL levels and boost HDL levels. The Mediterranean Diet is often cited as one of the best diets to follow for improved heart health.
Quitting smoking can help to lower bad cholesterol while improving good cholesterol levels. The same can be said for excessive alcohol consumption, so cutting back or cutting out alcohol should be considered.
Exercise is essential for lowering cholesterol levels, and most patients can see a reduction in cholesterol levels over just 6 weeks by adding 150 minutes per week of moderate exercise.
It’s important to avoid foods enriched with plant sterols, as these can block the absorption of your statin medication. These are often advertised as a way to lower cholesterol, but they should not be used alongside medication. Grapefruit also inhibits this type of medication, so it should be avoided while taking statins.
Frequently asked questions
What are the common side effects of statins?
Some common side effects include muscle pain, aches and some tenderness. You might also experience nausea, constipation, digestive problems, headaches and increased blood sugar levels while taking statins.
Will I have to take statins forever?
Yes, statins are typically a life-long medication. If you stop taking statins for any reason, your cholesterol levels are likely to increase again. If you are experiencing side effects of taking statins, you should speak to a doctor or a pharmacist before you stop taking statins.
Are they safe to take with other medications?
Statins may interact with other medications such as antibiotics and blood pressure medication. Always tell your physician about all medications you might be taking, even if they don’t seem related or if you are taking them in the short-term.
